As dog owners, we all want to keep our furry friends healthy and happy. But when our beloved pets suffer from an upset stomach or diarrhoea, it can be distressing. In our own experience with our dogs Belle and Marley, we have faced this issue and understand the challenges that come with it. That's why we've put together this guide to help dog owners deal with this common problem. Whether it's caused by a simple digestive upset or a more serious underlying condition, we'll provide you with information on the causes, symptoms, and treatments for diarrhoea in dogs, including what to feed a dog with diarrhoea, and tips on preventing future outbreaks.
When your canine companion has runny poop or soft stools, it's no laughing matter. There can be a simple explanation for the upset stomach, such as "garbage gut" or dietary indiscretion, where a dog ate something it shouldn't have. Diarrhoea in dogs is often more a symptom than a diagnosis, so that the picture can be a little more complicated.
Diarrhoea in dogs can be caused by a variety of illnesses and conditions, including:
- Pancreatitis parvovirus
- Distemper virus
- Allergies to food (food allergies)
- Anxiety or stress
- An abrupt change in regular food diet
- Parasites in the intestines (parasitic infections)
- Ingestion of toxins Addison's disease
- A disease of the liver that results in exocrine pancreas insufficiency
- Cancer of the intestines
An examination by a veterinarian can help pet parents find the best diet for their dog and address the underlying cause of diarrhoea.
Bouts of diarrhoea or an upset stomach in dogs can cause pain and discomfort. As pet parents, please call your vet if your dog is vomiting and experiencing diarrhoea for more than 24 hours. If you notice blood in his stool, contact your vet immediately. Your dog could suffer from severe dehydration, which can cause him to become weak, experience loss of appetite and be lethargic. This can lead to kidney failure.
Don't wait to take action if your dog has blood in stool or bloody diarrhoea. They're usually caused by internal bleeding within the intestine. Ensure your vet knows about this problem, especially if he hasn't taken medication regularly. He'll likely recommend surgery to stop the bleeding.
What to Feed a Dog With Diarrhoea
The time has come for your dog to eat a small meal-but what do you feed a dog with diarrhoea? You should choose bland, easily digestible food soothing to the GI tract. Below are five tried-and-true suggestions.
Start with a small amount of each of these foods: Start with a tablespoon of food for small breeds. It is recommended that you begin with a portion of food about the size of a golf ball, about two tablespoons for large breeds.
Try these great foods:
1. Lean Protein
Despite providing essential protein, low-fat meats are gentle on your dog's stomach. You can try meats such as:
- Skinless chicken breasts
- Minced lean meat
- Turkey
Chop into bite-sized pieces, boil until uncooked, then drain. You do not need to add any salt, oil, butter, or seasoning.
2. White Rice
Rice should be rinsed well and then prepared according to the package directions. You can serve it at room temperature. If you wish to make a 50/50 mixture of rice and lean protein (see above), you might add lean protein (see above). You can use brown rice as an alternative.
3. Potatoes
Dogs can become ill from consuming potatoes because they contain a solanine compound. As a result of baking, potatoes lose their solanine content, making them safe to consume.
You can prepare this by cutting it into bite-size pieces and boiling or baking it until it is cooked through. Avoid frying or adding butter, seasonings, or salt.
4. Canned Pumpkin
Put a small amount of food in your dog's bowl and serve. Provide 1-3 tablespoons of food for large adult dogs. 1-3 teaspoons are appropriate for small and medium dogs. Serve plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix.
5. Prescription Dog Food
Dog food brands often offer counter medications for specific health issues like diarrhea treatment. It is typically necessary to obtain a prescription from your veterinarian to use therapeutic diets explicitly formulated to address the cause of diarrhea and resolve it. Veterinary diets EN Gastroenteric Formula and Hill's I/D are some popular medicinal foods for dogs with diarrhoea.
It may be beneficial for your dog to eat food designed for specific health conditions depending on the cause of his diarrhea. Dogs who suffer diarrhoea due to allergies may benefit from feeding hypoallergenic or novel protein foods (food made from a new type of protein).
Follow the instructions on the food package to prepare it.
Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs
You can also find commercial dog foods formulated to treat gastrointestinal issues without a prescription from a veterinarian. You can choose Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food, which contains prebiotic fibres to aid digestion, or Lamb & Oatmeal Formula Dry Dog Food from Purina Pro Plan supports gut health with live probiotics.
The foods described here may not help all dogs, but they may be helpful in some cases. Your veterinarian should be consulted if you do not notice any improvement within a few days of feeding this food.
Follow the instructions on the food package to prepare.
Continue to feed your dog a bland diet for two or three days after their stools return to normal. Meanwhile, if your dog tolerates it, gradually increase the food you give them. You should contact your veterinarian if your dog's diarrhoea (runny stool) has lasted more than two days.
You first must mix a small amount of your dog's usual food with bland food. It would help to gradually increase your dog's diet to normal over three to five days. Slowly transition back to the normal food to avoid upsetting your pup's stomach.
Other Solutions to Dog Diarrhoea
There are times when bland food is not enough to heal the gut and stop diarrhoea in dogs. Additional support, such as medication or supplements may be needed to resolve the issue. It's crucial to consult your veterinarian before offering any of the below to your dog-they can assess your dog's condition and decide which treatments are most effective.
Conclusion
You should withhold food from dogs for 12 hours so the GI tract can rest and heal. Please consult your veterinarian before withholding food from puppies, small breeds, seniors, or dogs with health issues.
Dogs often suffer from diarrhoea due to several factors. Sometimes their normal diets aren't balanced correctly, sometimes they're stressed, and sometimes they're sick. Whatever the reason, it's essential to keep your pet hydrated and fed nutritious foods. This will help him recover quickly and avoid further problems.
Serve a bland diet in small portions. Slowly reintroduce your dog's regular diet after their stools have returned to normal for two to three days.
Of course, if your dog suffers from diarrhoea or stomach upsets, it's important to treat his symptoms immediately. Keep him comfortable and calm, and use plenty of water to flush out his system. Look at the list of foods above to help treat the health condition.
You should contact your vet or your nearest emergency animal hospital immediately when your pup experiences repeated episodes of diarrhoea or chronic diarrhoea. Don't let your dog suffer through this problem; he deserves to live a happy life with a healthy diet that will give him all the nutrients he needs.
Changing The Way Dogs Eat for Good!
As responsible pet parents, we know that you want to do everything to help. Living with a sick dog after a meal is no fun. Our two doggos, Marley and Belle, both like to eat fast! So we know exactly what it's like to live with a dog in pain and discomfort after eating.
We are introducing the Ultimate, Versatile 4-in-1 Slow Feeder Dog Bowl! We're excited this new slow feeder dog bowl combines modern design with innovative functionality. It's more than just a slow feeder. A slow feeder bowl that naturally slows your dog down at chow time, as well as a reversible lick mat so your pet can enjoy a variety of delicious foods like purees, stews, or wet food. An excellent bowl for easy delicious food prep and storage doubles as a dog-friendly travel bowl for your canine adventures.
Your dog will have a happier, healthier mealtime experience giving you peace of mind.
Buy today visit superfeedy.com.au
